РНБОУ National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine

Greetings of Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov on the occasion of the Day of Intercession of the Holy Virgin and the Day of Defender of Ukraine

Today, on the Day of Intercession of the Holy Virgin, we are celebrating the Day of Defender of Ukraine. This is no accident - yet in Zaporizhian Sich, Cossacks considered the Holy Virgin their patroness and protectress. It is very symbolic that we celebrate the Day of Defender on the Day of Intercession. The combination of historical memory and spiritual traditions is the foundation on which we are building our democratic European state.

The profession of the defender of the Motherland nowadays is one of the most respected in the Ukrainian society, and our army today is becoming one of the most combat-effective in Europe. This was determined by circumstances. To stop the enemy, we took up arms, and every day the brave warriors - the descendants of the Cossacks - defend Ukraine. Daily. Without a pause. Seven days a week.

Glory to you, warriors! May the memory of those who gave their lives for freedom and independence of the Motherland live forever!

The success of our victories lies in a confrontation with the powerful and cruel enemy - not only in modern weapons and professionalism of the military servicemen but, above all, the unity of our people. Only in two years thanks to our joint efforts we have been able to revive and equip the Ukrainian army. Today, everyone is doing everything one can for Ukraine to become independent, democratic, powerful European state, and the guarantor of our independence and development is a strong and invincible Ukrainian army!

I congratulate all defenders of Ukraine with the holiday! May God save Ukraine, you and your families!